Joe Repya, who organized a 2003 effort that produced 30,000 "Liberate Iraq -- Support Our Troops" signs, has a new plan, this time focused on expected protesters to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul.
Repya and a coalition that includes Minnesota's American Legion and Disabled America Veterans plan to distribute at least 3,000 signs saying "Victory Over Terrorism -- Let Our Soldiers Win."
Repya hopes to have people line the streets around the Xcel Energy Center as an expression of support for the war in Iraq to counter war protesters, who plan to march to the Xcel Center from the State Capitol on Sept. 1.
Repya of Eagan is a delegate to the convention and is well known in Republican circles. He is also a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. In 2003, he and his wife launched the Support Our Troops grass-roots lawn sign campaign. In 10 weeks, 30,000 lawn signs were distributed.
Repya said people wishing to obtain a sign can get one in the parking lot of Stephano's Italian Bistro in Burnsville from noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 16. The signs are free but donations will be accepted, he said.
MARK BRUNSWICK
